That is all from us here at Sportsday for Wednesday. We will return tomorrow at 08:00 GMT for another day of rolling sports news.

In the meantime, head on over to our football pages, where you will find a live text commentary of this evening's Champions League games, including Chelsea v Porto and Arsenal against Olympiakos.

Image source, AFP

Former Swansea City winger Leighton James says the players must take a lot of the blame for Garry Monk’s departure from the club.

"It is the managers fault ultimately because he selects the team and I suppose in a cynical way it is easier to sack one manager than 11 players," James told BBC Radio Wales. "But the players, ultimately have to take the blame because they are the ones who have underperformed."

Your reaction to Garry Monk leaving Swansea...

Justin Quick: As a Swans fan living in Exeter, Monk's sacking means I'm done with football. Chiefs will now get my hard earned.

Chijioke Izundu: Was Swansea chairman expecting Gary Monk to win the league or stay up? If it is the latter then support is better than a sack.

Ian Jones: Sad to see a good man like Monk go but looked totally demoralised and out of ideas on touch line last Saturday.

Image source, Getty Images

Graeme Jones

The former Swansea number two has been linked with the top job at the Liberty in the past. He followed Roberto Martinez to Wigan and Everton, where his work on the training ground has impressed. 

At 45 years of age, is now the time for Jones to make the step up to being number one? Or will the Swans experience after promoting Monk from within prompt them to go for a more established manager?

Your reaction to Garry Monk leaving Swansea...

Jony Isaacs: Taking the "hot seat" in the Prem as your first job is foolish. Take a lower league or assistant role; Go abroad and learn.  

Dan Hand: Garry Monk was offered help. He refused. The team does not look like performing soon. What else could Huw do?  

Yanis Gbl: What a reward for leading the club to a club record 8th place in the Pl last season.Monk needed help and not the sack.  

Image source, AP

Gus Poyet

Poyet's reputation was harmed by the end of his time at Sunderland, where he started well and led the club to the 2014 Capital One Cup final but was sacked 12 games into last season following a run of just one win in 12 games.

However, prior to that he had impressed at Brighton, who he led to promotion from League One and then into the Championship play-offs in their second season in the division before being relieved of his duties after being suspended by the club in May 2013.

Image source, AP

India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been reported for a suspect bowling action in the fourth Test against South Africa. The 30-year-old, who has bowled just 54 balls in his 19 Tests, will now undergo tests over his action after the match officials' report cited concerns over its legality. 

"Dhawan's bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is," read a statement from the International Cricket Council. "He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and, during this period, Dhawan is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known." 

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Mansfield defender Luke Jones will almost certainly have to retire because of an Achilles tendon injury, according to manager Adam Murray.

Jones, 28, has not played for the Stags since rejoining them from Stevenage for a third spell in May 2014.

"He's had two years of hell. His main focus is being able to live day-to-day life as best he can," Murray told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"He still can't walk to 100% and we're gutted for him as a football club."

Image source, AFP

Manchester United and Paris St-Germain look set to be frustrated in their desire to sign three-time world footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo. As reported by Sky Sports, the 30-year-old forward has told Spanish TV station Antena 3 that he is staying at Real Madrid.

"It is speculation. Every year, the same thing," is quoted as having said., external "I am calm, I feel good, and I am happy here. I have two years of contract and I am going to stay here."

Image source, PA

Following Taulupe Faletau's decision to reject a national dual contact and join Bath, the Welsh Rugby Union have issued a statement. It reads:

"The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that National Dual Contract negotiations with Newport Gwent Dragons player Taulupe Faletau, continued until the WRU were notified of his decision to accept a move to Bath Rugby. "During the negotiations the WRU and Newport Gwent Dragons continued to liaise on all developments. "The WRU is disappointed but accepts the player’s decision in which he identified a desire to pursue a new rugby challenge at this stage of his career. "It remains the policy of the WRU to keep as many Welsh qualified players as possible in Wales with one of the four Regions."

Image source, Getty Images

Taulupe Faletau isn't the most popular man in Newport today.

The Wales number eight has rejected a national dual contract with the Dragons in order to sign for Premiership side Bath, and will make the move at the end of the season.

"This comes as extremely disappointing news for the club given our understanding that a national dual contract was being negotiated with the Welsh Rugby Union," said the club.

Faletau had been set to join Bath in October but a move was blocked by Wales head coach Warren Gatland.  

A couple of updates on the situation at Swansea...

City assistant manager Pep Clotet and first-team coach James Beattie are set to leave following manager Garry Monk's departure.

The club have also announced that there will be no press conference on Thursday ahead of the Premier League game at Manchester City on Saturday.

Image source, Reuters

Steven Naismith admits he may have to consider a future away from Everton if he cannot force his way back into Roberto Martinez's plans.

Everton rejected a deadline-day bid from Norwich earlier this season for Naismith, who has made 12 appearances for the Toffees in 2015-16.

"When Norwich were interested in me in the summer, it was the manager who said he didn't want it to happen. But as a player you need to think about all your options," said Naismith.

"The manager said we'd speak about it again come January time so we'll do that.  You've got to weigh up all your options and see where you're at."

Your reaction to Garry Monk leaving Swansea...

Ahmed Mohamed: Another English manager sacked leaving 5 in the league. Soon english managers will become a myth.  

Adrian Gildernew: Garry Monk needed some help not the sack. An experienced coach was all they needed. Disappointing.

Manicben: Lack of class from #SCFC, external sacking Monk. Club need reminding where they've come from. Big change 6 months in modern football.   

Image source, PA

Mark Warburton

Warburton forged a good reputation at Brentford, who he led to promotion to the Championship and then into the play-offs the following season.

A difference of opinion with the board over management structure led to him leaving Griffin Park. He has since taken charge at Rangers, who are currently course to return to the Scottish top flight.

He recently denied rumours he was leaving to join managerless Fulham., external

John Bennett
BBC World Service in Valencia

"The fans I've been speaking to here at the Mestalla seem pretty excited about what Gary Neville can bring to the club.

"They're skeptical about his close links to the owner and his lack of management experience but seem delighted to have got rid of the previous coach.

"The supporters here have the reputation of being the hardest to please in Spain but - for now - Neville has their backing.

"Neville certainly won't let them down when it comes to hard work. I saw him arriving at the Mestalla today 7 hours before kick-off."

Image source, Getty Images

Gary Neville takes charge of his first game as Valencia manager tonight, with a must-win encounter against Lyon.

"Someone said it's the first day of the rest of my life," said the 40-year-old. "I'm focusing on staying calm."

"Lyon is a big game, it sets the benchmark straight away. It gives me an immediate understanding of what our mentality is like.

"Not everything is in our hands, but we have to focus on what we do control.

"If we don't have the result in the other game we want, that's life. The most important thing for us is focusing on our players, our direct opponent."

BBC Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson is not convinced by Swansea's decision.

Nor is former Southampton, Stoke and Sunderland defender Danny Higginbotham.

Your reaction to Garry Monk leaving Swansea after almost two years in charge.

Adrian Gildernew: Garry Monk needed some help not the sack. An experienced coach was all they needed. Disappointing.

Dario Fisher: Sad to see Monk go after such loyal service, but can't reflect on win percentages over 50 matches it's the last 15 that matter.

Yusuf Makishe: Garry Monk did a fantastic job last season. He's still the best one for Swansea. Mourinho and LVG get prepared.....  

Image source, Reuters

Brendan Rodgers

The Northern Irishman is an early favourite to succeed Garry Monk. He would be a popular choice with the Swansea fans as he led the club into the Premier League in 2011 before joining Liverpool the following year. 

He came close to winning the title at Liverpool in the 2012-13 season, but left the club in October after more than three years at Anfield.